20th Century Studios has released the first trailer for Whalefall, a survival thriller that takes place almost entirely in the depths of the ocean. Directed by Brian Duffield and based on Daniel Kraus’s novel, the film builds a high-pressure story that combines extreme isolation with a ticking-clock survival scenario.
The story follows Jay Gardiner, played by Austin Abrams, a young scuba diver who sets out on a dangerous underwater mission to recover the remains of his late father, played by Josh Brolin. What begins as a personal journey quickly turns into a nightmare when Jay is swallowed whole by a massive 80-foot sperm whale during the dive.
Inside the creature, Jay finds himself trapped in complete darkness with only about an hour of oxygen left in his tank. With no immediate way out and his survival time rapidly shrinking, he is forced to think quickly and use every bit of training and instinct he has to stay alive.
The film focuses heavily on tension and physical confinement, aiming to create a claustrophobic experience that mirrors Jay’s situation. Production used detailed practical sets at Radford Studios to recreate the inside of the whale, emphasizing realism and intensity in every moment of the ordeal.
To heighten the viewing experience, Whalefall will also be released in 4DX formats, allowing audiences to physically feel movement and environmental effects that simulate the underwater setting. The cast also includes Elisabeth Shue, John Ortiz, Jane Levy, and Emily Rudd in supporting roles.
Whalefall is set to hit theaters on October 16, 2026, through 20th Century Studios.
